Apple Computers (Now Apple Inc.) has recovered from years of corporate doldrums through the introduction of an innovative line of computers but more importantly, through the phenomenal success of the iPod. Apple more or less created the market for personal digital MP3 players and has sold millions of units, along with millions of songs through their online music store.
Now the video world is coming into the handheld market – virtually every cell phone has a screen of some sort and the recent iPods have video screens as well. Apple’s most recent product introduction is the much-hyped iPhone, which combines the functions of a cell phone, a “wide screen” iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device.
Apple has chosen to make an exclusive deal with Cingular, the AT&T cell phone network. Your only source for an iPhone will be through Cingular, along with a Cingular cellular service contract. They plan to make the product available in June. Back in the digital dark ages, Apple made the choice to keep their computer operating system in house, while Microsoft moved beyond IBM and licensed to any computer manufacturer who...